By Hebrews Pouyeli kumako
President of the Forum of African Kings and Traditional Leaders, Torgbui Fiti V, has made a bold call for African unity, urging leaders across the continent to pursue a single African passport, a common currency, and stronger economic cooperation, warning that Africa remains trapped under what he described as a form of “modern colonization.”
Speaking as Africa marked African Union Day on May 25, King Fiti V challenged African governments to move beyond symbolic unity and take practical steps toward true continental integration and economic independence. According to him, Africa cannot claim full freedom while its economies remain divided, its resources undervalued, and its people dependent on foreign systems.
“Africa is still under colonization. Africa is still under colonization. Many are still afraid to act boldly for true independence,” he stated. According to him, Africa’s current borders were artificially created by colonial powers after they discovered the continent’s rich resources, with the intention of fragmenting African people and weakening their collective power.
“The borders across Africa were calculated mechanisms to colonize and divide us after they discovered our rich resources. Africa cannot be truly free until these barriers are removed,” King Fiti V declared.
“Africa Is Still Under Colonization”
In a strongly worded reflection on Africa’s independence journey, King Fiti V argued that despite political freedom, many African nations remain trapped in economic and structural systems inherited from colonial rule.
“Africa is still under colonization. We may have our flags and governments, but many of the systems that divide and control us remain unchanged,” he said. He stressed that colonial borders continue to limit free movement, weaken trade among African nations, and prevent the continent from fully benefiting from its own human and natural resources.
King Fiti V renewed calls for the African Union (AU) to accelerate efforts toward a single African passport and a common African currency, saying these are essential steps toward breaking down borders and empowering Africans to trade, travel, and build prosperity together. “How can we claim to be one Africa without one money? How can we speak of unity while our people still struggle to move freely and do business across our own continent?” he questioned.
He argued that a common currency would reduce dependence on foreign financial systems, strengthen intra-African trade, and give the continent greater control over its economic future.
King Fiti V also called on Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria—three of Africa’s major cocoa-producing nations—to work together to control the global cocoa market and ensure fair value for African producers. He noted that Africa produces some of the best cocoa in the world, yet often receives little economic benefit compared to foreign companies that process and market the products internationally.
“We produce cocoa—the best in the whole world. Why can’t we come together and control its value? Why should Africa continue to enrich others with its own resources?” he asked. His remarks echoed growing calls across the continent for Africa to prioritize value addition, industrialization, and economic self-determination.
King Fiti V also criticized some African leaders for prioritizing personal luxury and foreign dependence over local development and continental progress, he questioned how leaders can justify extravagant spending abroad while many citizens continue to struggle at home. “Africa’s wealth should build Africa—not enrich others,” he said.
King Fiti V also questioned the lifestyles and priorities of some African leaders, suggesting that true leadership must focus on national development rather than personal luxury. Without naming individuals, he criticized leaders who spend excessively abroad while many African citizens continue to struggle with poverty and underdevelopment. “How can we have leaders who travel and shop abroad while our own economies remain weak? Africa’s resources should develop Africa,” he emphasized.
King Fiti V proposed that the African Union (AU) should create a formal system that allows recognized traditional leaders from different countries to serve as election observers whenever member states go to the polls.
“I want to ask that traditional leaders be given the opportunity to observe elections. When countries go to elections and choose their presidents, our kings and traditional authorities should be part of the process to ensure fairness, peace, and credibility,” he stated.
He explained that election observation should not be left only to political bodies and international organizations, but should also include African traditional authorities who understand local realities and command trust within communities.
The Forum of African Kings President emphasized that traditional institutions must be recognized as important partners in Africa’s democratic development. He noted that chiefs, kings, and elders have historically played major roles in conflict resolution, mediation, and maintaining social order—qualities that can be valuable during election periods when tensions often rise. “Traditional leaders have the moral authority and community trust needed to calm tensions and encourage peaceful participation in elections,” King Fiti V said.
The President of the Forum of African Kings said Africa’s future depends on courageous leadership, unity of purpose, and greater collaboration between governments and traditional authorities. He urged the African Union to listen more closely to traditional leaders and grassroots voices as the continent seeks solutions to long-standing political and economic challenges. For King Fiti V, Africa Day must be more than celebration—it must be a renewed commitment to liberation, dignity, and self-reliance.
Source News Volta
